WEEBUBBIE CAVE
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| Type of dive: |
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Sinkhole/cave |
| Snorkelling: |
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Yes, crystal clear water! |
| Scuba: |
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CDAA Cave |
| Access: |
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Land, the entry climb can be very risky! |
| Depth: |
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40+ metres (130+’) |
| Visibility: |
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30+ metres (100+’) |
| Water temperature: |
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18 – 19°C (64-66°F) |
| Seasonal: |
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No, can visit anytime |
According to Mirning people dreamtime, the deeper caves of the Nullarbor are the home of the water serpent Jeedara.
The blowholes are said to be its breath and when angry Jeedara is said to create dust storms.
Weebubbie Cave is one of over 250 caves below the Nullarbor Plain, approximately half way between the cities of Perth and Adelaide.
The area is very isolated and is the world’s largest limestone ‘karst’ (cave landforms) landscape. Some of the Nullarbor caves are the longest and largest in the world.
Nullarbor literally means ‘no’ (nullus), ‘trees’ (arbor) and the ‘Plain’ is about 270,000 square kilometres (100,000 sq mi) in area; and 2,000 kilometres (1,240 mi) wide.
The plain stretches across Western Australia and South Australia, north of the spectacular cliffs of the Great Australian Bight, the Southern Ocean and south of the Great Victoria Desert.
Three million years ago the Nullarbor Plain was the sea floor and its limestone is composed of ancient calcareous sea forms such as bryozoans, echinoid and algae.
Over time, erosion has caused large sinkholes and dolines to form resulting in large underground river systems, lakes, blow holes and caves.
The lake water under the Nullarbor, which is surface water that has filtered through the limestone over many tears, is crystal clear.
Weebubbie Cave is on the west side of the Western Australian and South Australian border just near Eucla.
In the early twentieth century, Eucla was the site of the busiest non-capital city telegraph station. The ruins of the old Eucla Telegraph Station are still visible in the encroaching sand dunes.
The Weebubbie Cave doline is about 95 metres (310’) above sea level, and a careful climb down a 45 metre (150’) vertical drop to the cave entrance is required.
Inside the cave there are two crystal clear lakes where the water so clear you can be standing in it before you notice!
The smaller lake is 28 metres (90’) deep and the larger lake leads to a dome-shaped air space with a large off-shoot known as the Railway Tunnel.
The spectacular Railway Tunnel is over 150 metres (500’) long and more than 40 metres (130’) deep.
Diving Weebubbie Cave is a major expedition and as such, requires Cave Divers Association of Australia (CDAA) Cave training, thorough and detailed planning, appropriate equipment, and very careful execution.
Copyright © 2024 Steve Sinclair
Other great caves to visit while you are there, BUT only if CDAA qualified:
Cocklebiddy, Tommy Grahams, Murra El-Elevyn and Nurina.
Local dive services:
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There are no dive services in the area, self-sufficiency is an absolute must! |
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BLAST EXPERIENCES |
OTHER INFORMATION
LOCATION
State or Territory:
Western Australia
Nearest City:
Perth/Adelaide
Nearest Regional City:
Kalgoorlie WA/Port Augusta SA
Nearest Town:
Eucla
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
Nearest International Airport:
Perth/Adelaide
Nearest Domestic/Regional Airport:
Eucla – not a commercial airport
Road:
Perth to Eucla:
15 hours (1,430 km/890 mi) via National Highway 94 and National Highway 1
Adelaide to Eucla:
13 hours (1,265 km/785 mi) via National Highway A1
Bus:
Not available – Perth or Adelaide to Ceduna only
Train:
Not available – Perth or Adelaide to Ceduna only
Ferry:
Not relevant
THINGS TO DO
Old Eucla Telegraph Station
Murrawjinie Cave Blow Hole
Great Australian Bight Cliffs
Eucla Museum
Visit the Weather Station